Player Assessments: England Victory Secured by Harry Kane's Double in International Qualifier

In a commanding performance, the English national team clinched a further win versus Albania, with several players turning in notable performances on the pitch.

First-choice XI

Dean Henderson Not a save to make during the opening 45 until forced to intervene from an opponent's curled attempt. One well-timed sliding tackle against Qazim Laci highlighted his reading of the game. 6/10

The debutant Challenged by the opposition's main danger through Hoxha. Started more centrally early on but moved wider once a teammate came on. 7

John Stones Advanced up the pitch on the ball, a familiar role before. At times seemed hesitant in possession and the approach was shelved by the interval. 6

Dan Burn A nuisance at set pieces, as always, perhaps is a replacement for Stones at the back rather than alongside him. A careless ball in the second half almost led to the first goal for Albania. Six

Nico O’Reilly One more confident display by the youngster following his debut against another side. A teammate did not capitalize on the opportunity from an exquisite touch over the Albania defence. The left-back spot is firmly his at this stage. 7

The newcomer His first start with the national team. A bit loose on the ball however his dangerous corners posed a danger. A useful tempo-setter available to the coach to utilize against defensive opponents. Cautioned for a poorly timed challenge. 6/10

Declan Rice Crosses from dead balls and set-plays caused problems. Had license to move down the left flank but was in an offside position as the pass came in shooting positions. Awarded a well-earned break after an hour. Six

The star midfielder Functioned in a high role down the right and also did plenty of the hard yards. Demonstrated glimpses of brilliance but mishit an attempt over. Substituted in the closing stages by a teammate, his competition, after being booked. 7

The winger Had the team's top opening of the first half, his effort smartly stopped by Thomas Strakosha. With Quansah staying deep, he had to provide width down the right side although his balls into the box varied in quality. Replaced with 15 to go. 6/10

The captain The match-winner scoring seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth strikes in an England shirt. The opener a trademark opportunist's goal and the second a classy finish with his head having drifted away from his marker. At 32, his form is unwavering with the national team have every chance in future competitions with him leading the line. 8/10

Eberechi Eze Struggled to get into the game on the left flank. Was presented with a presentable chance following a pass by Bellingham however Strakosha made the save. His replacement produced a bigger influence after coming on. 5/10

Substitutes

  • Foden (replacing Rice on 63 minutes) Appeared sharp and linked up seamlessly with the striker in more familiar role, 6/10
  • Bukayo Saka (on for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Failed to convert but his corner created the breakthrough, Six
  • Marcus Rashford (replacing the attacker 75) Lively upon introduction and provided Kane’s second with a brilliant delivery to the back post, Seven
  • Elliot Anderson (on for Wharton in the 75th minute) Seems settled already, 6
  • Morgan Rogers (for the star with minutes remaining) Not enough time to affect things, 6
Felicia Richard
Felicia Richard

A tech enthusiast and gaming strategist with over a decade of experience in digital content creation and community building.

July 2026 Blog Roll